What is the treatment for gastroenteritis in adults?
Symptoms often settle within a few days or so as the immune system usually clears the infection. The following are commonly advised until symptoms ease. Fluids – have lots to drink The aim is to prevent dehydration (low body fluid), or to treat dehydration if it has developed. As a rough guide, drink at least 200 ml after each bout of diarrhoea (after each watery stool). This extra fluid is in addition to what you would normally drink. For example, an adult will normally drink about two litres a day, but more in hot countries. The above ‘200 ml after each bout of diarrhoea’ is in addition to this usual amount that you would drink. If you vomit, wait 5-10 minutes and then start drinking again, but more slowly. For example, a sip every 2-3 minutes, but making sure that your total intake is as described above. You will need to drink even more if you are dehydrated. A doctor will advise on how much to drink if you are dehydrated. For example, this may be to drink 1-2 litres over 6 -12 hour
